Canada's path to World Cup qualification will be made easier with a number of significant no shows among NBAers such as Al Horford (Dominican Republic), Greivis Vasquez (Venezuea), Ginobli, Delfino and Prigioni (Argentina), Marcelo Machado retired from international basketball after the Olympics in London, while Tiago Splitter, Anderson Varejao and Nene may not play for Brazil in the FIBA Americas Championship 2013.

Canada's path to World Cup qualification will be made easier with a number of significant no shows among NBAers such as Al Horford (Dominican Republic), Greivis Vasquez (Venezuea), Ginobli, Delfino and Prigioni (Argentina), Marcelo Machado retired from international basketball after the Olympics in London, while Tiago Splitter, Anderson Varejao and Nene may not play for Brazil in the FIBA Americas Championship 2013.

Here's a fun thought, does Canada have a chance to even win gold in 2016 or 2020? I know it sounds crazy, but when you look at the talent and athleticism they'll have, especially in the frontcourt, it's pretty scary.

I think Canada has a chance to medal in 2016. Assuming all the top players play.

Just got back from the Canada vs Jamaica game and wow, Canada is gonna be solid next Olympics. They had no Wiggins, Olynyk, or Bennett and still won. Andrew Nicholson has really extended his range to just inside the 3 point line, Cory Joseph didn't score much but left everyone in Jamaica with broken ankles. Thompson was decent but got bullied by Samardo Samuels which is sad to say. Jay Triano's nephew Brady Heslip isn't bad either. He got player of the game and got everyone standing after hitting a bunch of 3's. Canada may not be able to beat the US but they're looking good going forward. I'd say Samardo Samuels was good and deserves another look in the NBA but he tried to fight Nicholson and was chirping his former teammate Thompson all night so fuck him.

I watched the game and it was ugly. There were some bright spots, and many key players were missing from that game and will suit up Saturday in teh re-match. Look for Jermaine Andersona and Carl English to have a big impact in Saturday's game.

I didn't watch the game. The result was underwhelming but I have faith in Triano and his ability to coach in international competition. If the roster can pull it together on defense and the boards they should be in every game in Venezuela.

As a footnote, Tristan Thompson and Somardo Samuels were team mates in high school at Finlay Prep and again in the McDonald's All American game, and again with the Cavs the year before last. He plays in Italy now.

Another close game with Jamaica. I did not see the game but I am wondering if I should be concerned about the national team squeaking out a win against a tiny island nation that likes cricket and soccer way more than hoops.